Ethics of last minute auction "poaching"

Wrong, Joysjane. All bids, within the rules of the auction, are fair. Not in the case of the seller inflating the price to reach the buyer's maximum bid. That is wrong and unethical, as Angela100 stated. Period.

Megasam, I disagree with you. As long as the rules of the auction are followed, all is fair. I believe in ethics when buying and selling, but an auction is a form of competition, and there is strategy involved. I think what is unethical is changing a deal once it is made. I have had this happen to me. After I made a deal, the seller backed out and told me he got a better offer. He asked if I would like to match it. I sold cables this week and while I was waiting for the deal to close, got a better offer. I would not back out.

Joysjane. Thanks for clarifying. To answer your question, I have no knowledge of a seller inflating their price by bidding themselves or getting someone to do it for them. I know it would be easy to do if one is determined. I was only responding within the context of Ruptured's post. In response to your second question, I suppose you could vote your forum feedback in the same way, but in this case, I did it for you.

The days of finding great deals at these specialized auctions is over. Most people on this sight know what things are worth. If they don't, they better find out. Not many of us have money to throw away. Personally, I have a tendency to research things to death. That is part of the fun, and the only way to get a good deal. I used to go to garage sales and, every once in awhile, I would come across a great deal on a vintage guitar. No more. Now, so called experts price things so high that you could end up paying more than things are worth if you are not informed. I think it is perhaps due to the fact that information is so easily available, and we all seem to be in such a hurry.